2025 Tips and Suggestions
What time does the race start?
The Maple Leaf half-marathon and Kotler 5K will start at 8:00 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
How do I register for the races?
You can register online or by requesting a paper registration. Registering online is quick and easy and is highly recommended. Online registration closes Wednesday September 3, 2025 at 11:59pm EST or when we reach 500 participants, whichever comes first.
Is there an option to register on race day?
Post-Registration will take place on Friday September 5, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at 340 Recreation Park Road (race start/finish), provided that there are still spaces available. The race is capped at 500 participants for the Half Marathon and 5k combined. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Race day registration will be available from 6:30am-7:30am, provided there are spaces available.
What is the Jay Hathaway Memorial Team Challenge?
Teams of runners and/or walkers can compete for the Hathaway Team Challenge Trophy in either the Half Marathon or Kotler 5K. The top three participants’ finishing positions in their race will be added together, with the lowest cumulative total being declared the Team champion. Each runner/walker will go the full distance in their event (i.e., not a relay event.) One champion team will be crowned in each event. Please note that this is somewhat different from the past: A team can consist of any number of runners greater than 3. However, only the top 3 finishers’ positions are computed for the team’s finishing position.
Is the race capped?
Yes! 500 runners/walkers for the 5k and half marathon combined is the limit.
Is the half-marathon course certified?
Yes it is! USATF: VT12004JK
Are walkers allowed in the half-marathon?
Walkers are welcome for the half marathon, as long as they can complete the course within the 3.5 hour time limit. After 11:30am the course will be unsupported.
Race Swag
Everyone will receive a finishers medal (5K and half-marathon) Everyone registered before August 1, 2025 will also receive a technical tee. Don’t worry if you miss the deadline, we’ll order a few extra! Also, MAPLE SYRUP for everyone!
Is there an age limit for the races?
You must be 12 years or older to participate in the half marathon. There is no age limit for the 5K, although minors will need a parent’s signature to participate.
Will there be on-course photographers?
Stay tuned! We’re working on a contract now!
When can I pick up my race number, race swag, etc?
You may pick up your bib and shirt on Friday Sept. 5th at the Dana Thompson Recreation Center between 4:00pm-7:00pm and from 6:30am-7:30 am on the morning of the race.
Parking?
There is an okay amount of parking at the Dana Thompson Recreation Center, where the races start and finish. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time on race morning as traffic increases after 6:30 am. Additional parking options include Manchester Elementary Middle School (80 Memorial Ave., Manchester, VT 05255), just a short 3-5 minute walk to the park. Parking off-site will help reduce vehicle traffic as 5k runners are departing after their race and half-marathon runners are finishing. ARRIVING EARLY IS FAR BETTER THAN ARRIVING LATE. We start the race PROMPTLY at 8 am!
What can my family do while I'm running the half-marathon?
The Dana Thompson Recreation Park has a playground, ball fields, an enclosed dog park, and a 1-mile walking path. All facilities will be open on race day. The park is also just a short walk from the Northshire Bookstore, Colburn Cafe, Charlie’s Coffee House and numerous other amazing Manchester businesses.
Do the Maple Leaf races benefit a charity?
Yes! Proceeds from the event are donated to local organizations that work hard to make our community a better place. Past beneficiaries include; The Manchester Lions club, the Tri-Mountain Lions Club, The Collaborative, The Community Food Cupboard, The Dorset Players, The Northshire Special Olympics and many, many others.
Is there a way I can communicate with other participants?
Join us on our Facebook page, or get to the start corral and chat it up!
Are there port-a-potties on the course?
We have plenty of restrooms and port-a-potties at the start/finish and mid-way point of the races.
What will the weather be like on race day?
This is Vermont - the weather changes faster than you can finish a 5K. Typical early September weather at the start will be sunny, cloudy, overcast, or rainy - but we promise there won't be any snow. Expect a temperature range from the mid-40's to the high 70's, with the average in the mid-50's. Bring sunscreen and a rain hat - you never know.
Can I listen to music?
The use of personal music devices is highly discouraged at the Maple Leaf Half Marathon and 5K. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, we encourage a headphone-free environment during the entire race. The majority of the roads are open to traffic during the races, and your safety is our primary concern.
Are wheelchairs or hand cycles allowed?
Definitely! Please remember the rolling course travels over some dirt and loose gravel roads, so please plan accordingly.
Are baby strollers allowed?
No. Our race insurance doesn't allow baby strollers. The race starts and finishes at the Dana Thompson Recreation Center, which has multiple playgrounds and a fields to keep the family busy.
Can my pet accompany me if it's on a leash?
No! Our insurance strictly forbids it. Sorry, but there can be no exceptions.
Where are the water stops, and is there sports drink available?
Water stops are staffed by enthusiastic volunteers at 6 locations on the half-marathon course, including 1 stop on the 5K course. Gatorade sports drink will be available at every other water stop on the half-marathon course and at the water stop on the 5k course.
When will the awards ceremony take place?
Awards for the 5K will start at approximately 9:00 am, and awards for the half-marathon will begin at approximately 10:30 am. Please check your race results before leaving, awards will not be mailed. Race results are posted on the grandstands just behind the finish area and are sent directly to your phone upon finishing. There are also QR codes posted around the park that will link you to the results.
What if I need medical attention?
A medical team will be on-site, near the finish line, in the event that you need medical attention.
Are any roads closed on race day?
Route 30 from the Dana Thompson Recreation Center to the intersection of Route 7A will be closed from 8:00am-8:15am, and Route 7A (southbound) to the Equinox Hotel will be partially closed from 8-8:45 am. While all other roads are open, please exercise extreme caution. (Which is why headphones are not a good idea.)
How hilly is the course?
Manchester is in a valley, with the Taconic Range to our west and the Green Mountains to our east. While the 5K course is relatively mellow, the half-marathon course can be a bit challenging (Okay, let's not powder-coat this, it's hilly!) There is a very special hill that starts at mile 8 and ends around mile 9. It's called "Wind Hill" and it will take your breath away, literally and figuratively. Not to worry though, we've strategically placed a water stop at the bottom and again at the top.
I registered but now I can't participate. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately we do not issue refunds. Race insurance is offered at the time of registration for a nominal fee through Race Roster, we highly recommend it. You also have the option to transfer your registration to another runner prior to September 3, 2025. Transfers are done through your Race Roster account.
What are my lodging and dining options for the weekend?
Visit our friends at ManchesterVermont.com to find the list of local inns and restaurants in the Manchester area.
Do all participants receive a medal?
Yes! All 5K and half-marathon finishers receive a medal.
What happens if the event is canceled due to Covid-19 or EEE?
If we determine that the live event cannot be held due to Covid-19 or EEE, all registrants will be virtual and race packets will be mailed.
